Food. Lifestyle. Ramblings

“A new baby is like a beginning of all things- wonder, hope & a dream of possibilities”- Eda J Leshan

Along with that little bundle of joy, there comes an emotion that’s cognitive to a mother, the minute the baby is born. A mother makes a promise to her young one, she whispers into the baby’s ear that i will love you and take care of you forever.

It’s just so satisfying to see your little one, always smile and stay healthy. The minute your baby gets under the weather, you start panicking more than the baby himself. As parents, we all know that our young ones will catch the nasty cold at least 5-6 times a year, yet we aren’t prepared for it when it happens. We run helter skelter and forget that this doesn’t mean that you did something wrong but it’s just nature’s way of developing your baby’s immunity.

Babies are obligatory nose breathers, so the cold virus brings along with it, runny noses, blocked noses and a plethora of crankiness and sleep deprivation for both the baby and you. I have 2 young boys aged 5 years and 1.6 months and every time they catch the cold and have blocked noses, i’m mentally disturbed but always resort to using Nasivion® nasal spray and nasal drops for their little noses under my paediatrician’s recommendation.

I, have been using Nasivion® for my little ones, to help them recover from their colds gradually and peacefully. They tend to sleep better and instead of getting up 4-5 times in the night, they get up about 1-2 times.

Dosage of Nasivion® Nasal Saline Solution:

Instil 2-3 drops / sprays in each nostril 3-4 times daily or as directed by the Physician.

Dosage of Nasivion® Paediatric 0.025% Nose Drops for children from 1-6 years:

1-2 drops in each nostril, 2- 3 times a day or as directed by the paediatrician.

Up to the age of 4 weeks, instill 1 drop of the solution into each nostril 2-3 times per day. From the 5th week of life until the age of 1 year, instill 1-2 drops into each nostril 2-3 times per day or as directed by the physician.

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Points to keep in mind which help your little one recover faster from a blocked nose:

.If your baby is under 2 years, they will have a problem blowing their noses. I, use the Nasivion® Nasal Saline Solution** or a homemade saline using one cup boiled water & 1/2 tsp iodine free salt to cleanse the nose coupled with a nasal aspirator.

.Elevate your baby’s head while sleeping.

.Give them as much liquids as possible like turmeric infused milk, warm water and warm soups, depending on their ages.

.Use a Air humidifier and if you don’t have one, keep potted plants & bowls of warm water in the baby’s room.

.Massage your baby’s chest with some warm coconut oil while lightly tapping on his chest and back, to dislodge the mucus.

.Run a hot water bath, for the baby. The steam loosens the mucus in the nose.

.Last but not the least, coo & cuddle to your baby no matter what his age may be, because the emotional love what they feel helps them recover faster.

**Nasivion Nasal Saline Solution being the first line of treatment, as it is safe and can be used by anyone. If the problem is aggravated then after consulting the doctor, one can opt for Nasivion (Mini) Baby Nose Drops or Nasivion Pediatric (Child) Nose drops depending on the age of the child. Consult a doctor, before using the product.

Remember, that any medication must be administered only after a doctor’s recommendation.

Bangalore, has always been a vibrant city. It breathes love and positivity. Being a native of this beautiful city, i just can’t get over how much i love it here. When those rain showers grace the city and the process of rejuvenation happens, Bangalore comes alive with more rigour. With these monsoons amidst us, here are the things that I will be doing this Monsoon.

1. Bajji Bonda at Central Tiffin Room (CTR) : This quaint, stuck in the 90’s place in Malleshwaram , is a haven for all your breakfast & mid evening snacking urges. The wafting aromas of the South Indian kitchen will have you head over heels. The Bajjis and Bondas here are just lipsmacking delicious. Hailed as one of the iconic restaurants of Bangalore, you must not skip on this one. You also must try their neer dosas, kesari bhath and Benne masala Dosa.

2. Rooh Yoga at Lahe Lahe : Lahe Lahe, has been synonymous for being innovative and always creative. Lahe Lahe, is a community of like minded individuals who take time out to indulge in interactive activities.

This time, they are conducting “Rooh Yoga” classes from 27 June – 6 Aug. The classes will commence at 6:30 am and will teach you “Yoga” under the Lahe Lahe roof albeit in a contemporary way, by Arooshi. Let’s do some yoga and watch the beautiful sunrise while doing so.

3. Rooftop Lunch or Dinner at High Ultra Lounge : Have a breathtakingly beautiful view and soak in the purple and warm yellow ambiance of highest fine dining venue in Southern India, at a staggering height of 421 sq. feet. Indulge in the city’s finest contemporary pan Asian cuisine and click some Instagram worthy pics here. You can’t enjoy Monsoon better! Also awarded as the best rooftop restaurant by EazyDiner, just a few days ago.

4. Tea Tasting at San-Cha Tea Boutique : India’s first tea boutique, that will have you go crazy with the sheer amount of tea variety available. What’s a monsoon without some tea and if the tea comes from San-Cha Tea Boutique, it’s bound to help you create Monsoon memories. The tea sommeliers will offer you complimentary tea tastings of over 65 varieties of teas.

5. Ameen Sayani Live in Concert 15 August 2018 : Whenever you hear the pitter patter of those raindrops, the first thing you want to do is, switch on some soul soothing music. With the era of “Bhule Bisre Geet” fading away to the din of the songs of today, this is a reprise, a moment to turn back the time and listen to India’s first Radio Jockey, “Mr. Ameen Sayani Sahab” who will present to us a melange of melodies from the yesteryears by talented singers and musicians. Make sure, that you do not miss this if you love your Monsoon melodies. This fundraiser show will be held at “Chowdiah Memorial Hall”.

6. Bonus point : Well, now that you’ve come this far, i’m gonna be letting you in on my perfect thing to do this Monsoon. Retail therapy. I will be immersing myself in some retail therapy by going to the ” Phoenix Shopping Festival 2018″. I’ve already visited them twice as i write and have been picking so many things up because 300+ brands are on a 50% or more off.

These were my top things to do this monsoon and i hope, that no matter who you are or what your likes are, this list has found you bookmarking some things to try.

“I can’t think of anything better in the world to be but a vegan.” – Alicia Silverstone

Being a vegan, according to me is a brave & a kind decision, where one takes responsibility of their choices & actions. Veganism isn’t a trend or a diet fad rather it’s an emotional experience. It’s great to see, vegan options available widely today and it’s a pleasure to know how delicious they are.

About Carrots :

Carrots, was one of the pioneers of vegan dining experiences in Bangalore. When it started, it had subconsciously started a trend of diverting people towards a more holistic way of living. While, non vegans were made to understand what being vegan really meant, the vegans had a safe haven to lose themselves in.

Carrots was one of the first vegan restaurants in India, which not only had a full fledged vegan menu but also encouraged staff to try veganism by providing them with vegan meals. This, is one of those places in Namma bengaluru that you must try whether you are a vegan or not.

Decor & Ambiance:

The decor, is very humble and like the concept of the restaurant is kept very simple. The ambiance on the other hand, is highly relaxing with soft instrumental music playing in the background. The place has charms & almost resembles a quaint shack.

The Grub Story:

I’m a vegetarian and i really wouldn’t mind being vegan for sometime but the only thing stopping me is, the lack of skill whilst preparing a vegan meal. Here is what i relished and was quite dumbfounded that this was vegan :

Chatpata sprouts Salad : A beautiful and mellow salad of sprouts, with Indian flavours.

Chilli MockMeat Tofu : This was the star of the evening, the flavours were bang on and having converted from being a non vegetarian to a vegetarian, this mock meat instantly reminded me of meat, albeit in a very nice way. The melange of Tofu and seitan strips coated in tomato sauce was just phenomenal.

Mighty Buddha Bowl : A dish, that beats any Buddha bowl. This is a signature dish, by Chef Susmita who has as we all know been a pioneer of vegan eating. The flavours of the peanut sauce and tofu on a bed of rice was something you must not miss.

Black Forest Pastry : Made with vegan cream, you really could go ahead and order another one just because it was so good.

Vegan Ice Cream : Oh my Goodness!! This is something that you must not miss if you’re here. The vegan icecream range is just so smooth, delicious & flavourful, that you wonder if this really has no milk at all. The scoops are melt in the mouth & the best part is they don’t melt the way, your traditional ice cream melts, so they are a great idea for takeaways. My favourite was chocolate & mango vegan ice cream.

Energy booster : Made with soy milk, cashew, sesame seeds and dates for natural sweetness, this drink was highly delicious. Sorry milk, I didn’t miss you at all.

Soy Buttermilk : The drink had a very smooth and palate pleasing texture and aroma. The little gritty texture had me over the moon.

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Verdict : This is a must visit for all vegans and non vegans alike. The place has menu curated by Chef Susmita of the “Veganosaurus” fame. She has always been advocating clean vegan eating and explains the little details with such happiness that it’s just a delight to dine in here.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment to the soul and body, it’s truly love”- Giada

So, while i gingerly took a sip of some orange grenadine gala and had my soul satisfied with just the most delicious meal in recent times, i couldn’t help but reiterate the above quote and smile inwardly.

About Housefull :

Housefull, is the new kid on the block with its fare being completely vegetarian and no alcohol is served as well. The restaurant caters to not only the vegetarian folks but to the non vegetarian folks as well, by making you fall in love with vegetarian. It’s a complete family experience, which will hit a home run on the nostalgia factor.

Decor & Ambiance :

The decor, is tastefully done and is power packed to take you back to the past. It has a faux wall made out of cassettes and painted with the iconic Amitabh Bachan’s character from Sholay. The menu is done like a Filmfare, Stardust magazine, with legendary actors on it.

The ambiance instantly relaxes you and gets you anticipating for a great meal ahead.

Hospitality:

The hospitality is par excellence, from their staff to Chef Istikhar, who makes it a point to come over and get your feedback after the meal.

The Grub Story :

I’m too full on the experience and loved the way, they have curated their menu and furnished the dishes with a twist. Here were my favourites :

Mini Dal Pakwan : The crispy puri’s were topped with just the most smooth & palate pleasing mix of Bengal gram & sev.

Pav Bhaji : By far, this was the most good looking Pav Bhaji, I’ve seen in recent times. Totally Instagram & Pinterest worthy. It tasted as good as it looked. The ladi Pav was a delight to eat with the bhaji.

Paneer Ghee Roast : Allow me the privilege to tell you, that this was the most melt in the mouth cottage cheese, your money can buy. The Paneer literally had absorbed the mangalorean masala and the heady aroma of the spices intoxicatingly welcomes you. Must have.

HF samosa : Filled with Cheese, Paneer and potato, this take on the samosa will have you wanting it for a long time after you eat this. Another must have.

Gulab Jamun Mousse & Oreo Cheesecake duo : The light on the palate dessert was delicious and had me wanting for more. Came replete with some sugar nest to make it even more pretty.

Masala Chaas: What perfect way to have a hearty meal, save for some masala Chaas on your side? Try their desi masala Chaas to cool you down and give you a desi experience.

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Verdict : The restaurant doesn’t restrict your palate, from experiencing ambrosia just because it’s vegetarian rather it opens doors for you to understand how versatile and delicious vegetarian cuisine is.

How tired are you, of waiting for your table at your favourite restaurant? How tired are you of always paying the full price? How tired are you, of going out to eat turning into a chore and being less of a fun experience? If, you’re very tired then I’ve got just the right app for you, that answers all your queries & banishes those qualms.

Allow me to introduce you to ” not just another table reservation app”, but to an app that will be encompassing a lot of features for your dining experience to be better. The app, in discussion is “Gottable-Reserve Fine Dining”.

About Gottable :

The application is available on both your Android Play store and your IOS App Store. The app focuses on establishing a symbiotic relationship between the restaurant and the diner.

Apart from reserving your table at the restaurant of your choice, they also believe in proffering great deals and offers for you when you dine, using the app. They get you the best deals in and around the location that you choose by their Geolocation deal finder and within 3-4 minutes of tapping into the app, you can enjoy the offer as per your convenience.

You may also, order your food through the app at a restaurant near to you. They still need to add more restaurants to the app, but I’m only hopeful for the best.

Basically, it’s an app which lets you book your table, order your food at the comfort of your home or order a takeaway.

Visual walkthrough of App and how to book your table:

Launch the app on your phone:

Choose your Location and a drop down of restaurants and offers are shown :

Choose restaurant of choice:

Book table :

Log in your details :

And, your table is booked. Now you can enjoy your meal, along with the offer that you have chosen.

You as a user of the app get to savour quite a few rewards, for patronising the app. They have “Loyalty Rewards, Event invites, Prizes, etc”.

What I liked about the App :

Doesn’t require too much space on your phone, about 30MB big.

Easy and attractive UI , which I’m sure will be improving in the coming updates.

Well, that girl is just so right about the basic priorities in life. You do need a burger to stay sane.

Burgers have been infamous for being the bad boys in the hood. What if, I told you that these bad boys, had changed? Well, not all of them.. just a few of them, who you could certainly introduce to your Mama? Would you place your bets on my word? Read on, this just gets better.

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About In House Burger :

The folks at “In House”, believe in making your go to comfort food, much healthier as opposed to the standard burger. Oh! And let’s not get into the nitty gritty of the poor burger. Like, ” It Still has hidden sugars”.. Well, so does a Paratha.

The USP here, is not in eliminating the calories & the “oh ooo’s” that come with a burger rather it’s in eliminating the unnecessary ones that come along, without compromising on the taste. And let’s get real, who eats ” Burger” everyday?

So, this place is specially for those people, who wanna indulge in a burger, that’s not gonna take you on a major guilt trip. The place, is quick eat diner with little bric-a-brac places all across, replete with some board games and books.

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The Grub Story : Perhaps, i thought i’d be very skeptical of a “Healthy Burger” place and that’s why maybe I didn’t go in with a lot of expectations but “Hello!”

Milkshakes aka Oatshakes (₹120/-) : The milkshakes are just extremely gorgeous. They come sans the icecream and all that jazz. Made up of Oats and the main ingredient. My favourite was the mixed berries, with a melange of smooth flavours binding it all.

Cold Pressed Juices : Loved the melange of colours, when they found themselves on our table and they did look like they would be the sugary delicious, but “Hear ye, hear ye” they were the healthy kinda delicious. My pick was the Lush Green. Perfect for my palate.

Classic Red in Tandoori Paneer (₹150/-) : The Red Bun, is such a delight to all senses. The visual just pushes the right buttons and you already decide to love it before the big bite. Coloured with some good ole beetroot, this is something that’s instagram & Pinterest worthy.

Bourbon Black in Hot Chilli (₹150/-) : Another one of those drool worthy burgers, infused with edible charcoal. Tried it with their Hot Chilli Patty, which was baked and not fried.

In-house all veg hoagie (₹160/-) : The multigrain bread, generously stuffed with veggies and some sauces makes this one of those satisfy my hunger things to eat.

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Verdict : The place certainly lives up to expectations with a great VFM value, gives you instagram worthy pics (because that’s what we are all about today..meh!) , focuses on eliminating unnecessary calories by cutting down on the servings of the sauce in the burgers, making the patties baked instead of fried, no sugar drinks except the natural sugars, adding more crunchy veggies, making milkshakes as oat shakes and last but not the least makes it taste good.

“Food is symbolic of love when words are inadequate.”~ Alan D. Wolfelt

The ingress of the restaurant, prepossess you with its charm. I’m pleasantly mesmerised by the welcoming ritual, at the doorstep. The lady smiles and prompts me to put my hand forward and once I do it, she dips a leaf in water and lightly swishes it across the palm. Quotes she, ” This is the traditional Burmese welcome, done to the guest who visits any home in Burma”.

About Burma Burma :

Burma Burma boasts of the nouvelle cuisine from the regions of Myanmar, North East India, Thailand & China. The synchronised harmony of these varied cuisines, is at display whilst you playfully rotate the chopsticks in your hand. Reviving and creating awareness about the Myanmar aka Burma, the place takes you on a journey across regions.

As, it’s also a teahouse ; expect yourself to be pampered and huddled with the tea warmth as you choose your pick. The place brings to you teas that a connoisseur would love to immerse herself in.

Decor & Ambiance :

While Anodos found his portal to the fairy world in MacDonald’s “Phantastes”, i found mine when i passed the threshold of the doorstep. Immediately, a whiff of warmth engulfs you & you are surrounded by artifacts. Some holding a deep spiritual value, such as the Burmese Prayer Lacquerware and some as trivial as the Burmese storage containers.

Immense amount of dedication has gone into making this decor a slice of Burma. The hand painted wall mural is almost alive, if she just slightly opens her eyes.

The Grub Story : The Food as we know, is from the shores of Burma. Burmese cuisine on its own has been influenced by a few regions. Here’s what i savoured & relished :

Samuza Hincho : A tangy soup, which I have to inform you is a bit on the spicier side has a hidden samosa. The samosa melts and you are supposed to enjoy it with the broth.

Tayat ti thoke : Raw mango salad, which makes you reminisce of the Som Tam Mamuang. The flavours are similar, but a little more on the sweet sour spicy side. Extremely enjoyable.

Crunchy Tofu Sliders : These mini sliders had the most softest tofu encased within them. Perfect for a quick fix.

Burma Burma Oh No Khow suey: The khowsuey was curated to please your taste buds. The delicious bowl of coconut milk with lemongrass, tamarind flavours & soft noodles brimming in the broth ; just made this one of the best, I’ve had in the city. Accompanied by a tray of fried onion, chilli, garlic & peanuts.

Avocado Icecream with Honey Caviar: The soft smoothness of the avocado, could be sensed when you took the first mouthful, along with the bursts of sweetness from the Honey caviar. The presentation takes the cake, with the smoke effect a la dry ice. Check this little video out 👇🏻

Tagu Pi Yan : A beautiful concentric circle of coconut custard engulfing the firm yet soft to burst pearls of Sago in palm jaggery. The humble dessert, had all the flavours that make it feel authentic & true to taste.

Teas : I, tried an assortment of the peach & passion fruit flavoured Shangrila tea & Yuzu Bubble Tea. While, the Yuzu bubble teawas a different ball game altogether with a fresh & cooling punch. The Shangrila tea, was subtle and calming down with the flavours.

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Verdict : The place is purely vegetarian and non alcoholic. This is like a dream restaurant for me. For anyone who has a soft corner for South East Asian food, this restaurant serves as a great place to escape and find yourself happy.

Rating : 4.5/5

P.S: The pic of the wall decor has been provided by team Burma Burma for representational purpose.

” You can’t just eat good food. You’ve got to talk about it too. And you’ve got to talk about it to somebody who understands that kind of food” –Kurt Vonnegut

Ergo, here i am ready to throw in some talk about my experience at Big Pitcher. When you have a plateful of food you like to eat, things just get better. The ambiance, the temperament & the person you’re with start looking better than before.

About Big Pitcher :

Big Pitcher, is spread across 6 floors in the Old Airport Road locale. Being neighbours to The Leela Palace & Mathan, Big Pitcher boasts of its own charm with the eye catching geometrics, welcoming you with purple lights et al. Big Pitcher, spoils you for choice with each floor dedicated to pull in a certain kind of crowd. They are:

Club Kahuna : Just the place for the millennials or for people who are young at heart. The live pizza kitchen keeps you mesmerised as they dish pizzas out.

Sizzling Street : For all your BBQ buffet needs, equipped with an on the table grills.

Studio 4121: Get your party shoes on, they have a floor dedicated to the jumping bean within you. All while playing the latest tunes.

Star Lounge : Their rooftop restaurant, replete with candlelight dinner and flowers as accessories to making a great evening.

Ambiance & Decor : As, each floor has a certain theme to it, the decor disparities are seen across floors. While some floors are perfect for a great family meal, some are just the proper ones to get you grooving.

Hospitality : It doesn’t fail to disappoint you with well equipped staff who keep a constant check on you sans the interference.

The Grub Story : I, was here to try out their new menu launch and was pleasantly surprised to see some winners. Here were my favourites:

Minestrone Soup : Enjoyed the light tanginess of the Soup and the mouthful of macaroni. Just the right way to start a meal.

Paneer Stir fry : Replete with a juicy sauce, the chunks of Paneer were done well and engulfed with the umami taste.

Margherita Pizza : Made from the pizza oven, across our table ; the pizza was simple with basil & tomatoes, yet left an impression behind.

Artichoke & Corn Crepes : The thin crepes has enveloped the corn & the sauce complemented it well. Must try for sure.

Quick look from the Non vegetarian table :

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Verdict : The place has something or the other for a every kind of a palate. You are given a choice and you just need to take your pick. Go ahead and get exploring, it’s a magnanimous place to begin with.

As you wanderlust for that perfect moment, you find it sometimes right in your plate. Man, has been made in such a way, that he connects a lot of his feeling with food. Think about it…if he’s happy, he celebrates with food; if he’s sad, he binges on it.

I, was extremely happy to have found maybe; pardon my ignorance, the perfect plate of vegetarian grub at “Tijori”.

About Tijori :

Tijori, is a fine dining restaurant at Radisson Blu Atria. Very true to its name, it holds the treasures of ambrosia within it. The cuisine is mainly North Indian and there are inclusions of some South Indian elements as well.

Ambiance & Decor :

The decor is a beautiful backdrop for a perfect romantic date. The music, the candles & the touches of bling make this just about right. You must visit this, for dinners as the real beauty of the blossoms then. The lighting is done in soft purple pink hues, a faux pebbled path takes you to the dining section.

Ambiance is just so relaxing, that you literally need to walk yourself out unwillingly.

Hospitality:

The staff are well trained to handle your queries about what’s on your plate and are pleasing in their demeanour. They are nimble on their feet & try to help you enjoy your meal, with whatever they can help you with.

The Grub Story :

Ananas & Mirchi Tini Mocktail : I, must say this was one of those mind blowing mocktails, ever. The spicing up of the pineapple based drink with green chillies was just bang on.

Hare Matar Ki Tikki : A melange of green peas mash stuffed with dry fruits & cheese, made into rounds and cooked on a griddle. This was accompanied with a tangy mango & mustard chutney, which reinvented tikkis & their pairings.

Masala Paniyaram : Rice dumplings with South Indian tempering, served with tomato chutney.

Tadka Wali Dahi : Another one of their specialities, which had me salivating at the unique flavour profile of sweet n spicy by the onion, tomato, garlic & curry leaf tempering.

Bhindi Palak Bhurjee : The marrying of okra with spinach, was just out of the world. The creaminess of spinach and flavour bursts of okra, had me hooked. This is something that You mustn’t miss!

Boondi Paan Baked Yoghurt : What I loved about this dessert was the infusion of Paan aka betel leaf without the Paan being overwhelming. Paan, over here was adding another dimension to the flavour. Very well executed.

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Verdict : I, must say as a vegetarian who is always on a lookout for the perfect heart warming meal, I have found the place. The flavours at “Tijori”, are subtle and very harmonious.